HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH

 

 

Evolution

 

Observance of Juneteenth has traditionally tended towards church-centered celebrations featuring food, fun, and a focus on self-improvement and education by guest speakers. Although initially associated with Texas and other Southern states, the Civil Rights Era and the Poor People's March to Washington in 1968, in particular, helped spread the tradition all across America—to the extent that Milwaukee and Minneapolis now host two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the nation.

 

 

Juneteenth Today

 

The state of Texas made Juneteenth an official holiday on Jan. 1, 1980, and became the first to grant it government recognition. Several states have since issued proclamations recognizing the holiday, but the Lone Star State remains alone in granting it full state holiday status, a day when government employees have the day off.  Nonetheless, supporters and celebrants of Juneteenth continue to grow in number and in diversity; today, Juneteenth is promoted not only as a commemoration of African-American freedom, but as an example and encouragement of self-development and respect for all cultures.

 

Juneteenth In Iowa

 

On Thursday, April 1, 2002, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday in Iowa.  The holiday is known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa

Saturday, June 23, 2012

11:00 am — 9:00 pm 

(Rain Site: River’s Edge, 700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA)

 

 

 

Saturday

June 23, 2012 

11:00 am — 9:00 pm

LeClaire Park,

Davenport  Iowa